Vaccinations, Testing and Consumer Advice
Free, practical consumer advice and information on the coronavirus pandemic for the citizens of Scotland
Vaccinations
The rollout of vaccinations in Scotland is well under way. The objective is to vaccinate as many people in Scotland as possible for COVID 19 twice. You will receive protection within 2-3 weeks of your first vaccination and long-term protection from a second dose administered between 3 and 12 weeks.
If you are vaccinated, your body will become far better equipped to combat a COVID 19 infection. This is the case even if you have caught COVID 19 before. In the event of you catching COVID 19, you would have a greater chance of milder symptoms or no symptoms developing at all.
Different groups in Scotland will receive the vaccination at different times.
Groups who have been offered and are being offered the vaccine are from the following groups:
- Those who are aged 30 or over.
- Those who live in care homes.
- Social care Workers and Frontline Care workers.
- Those who have extreme clinical vulnerability.
- Those who have underlying health conditions that make them vulnerable and are aged between 16 and 64.
- Those who are adults with learning disabilities.
- Those who are unpaid carers.
- Those who are considered homeless.
- Those who are aged 16-17 if they are an unpaid carer, extremely clinically vulnerable or a frontline health/social care worker.
Those who are aged 18-49 should receive an opportunity to receive their first dose by the end of July.
This process is still ongoing, but everyone will eventually get the chance to be vaccinated.
In certain areas of Glasgow that have been seriously affected, 18 to 39-year olds are being offered the vaccine as well as other groups.
More information on visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine | NHS inform
- Your name
- Your Community Health Index (CHI) number (optional). This can be found on most letters or documents you get from NHS Scotland (e.g. a prescription letter).
- Your date of birth
- Your postcode
- Your gender
- Your contact details
More information on this can be found at Registering for a coronavirus vaccine | The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine (nhsinform.scot)
Only a very small number of people are unable to receive the vaccine. They will be unable to receive one because they are allergic to all vaccines that are available to them.
NHS Scotland will allow drop in clinics and mobile units across mainland Scotland to provide vaccinations to those who have not had their first dose and are over 18. Those who had their first does at least 8 weeks before will be able to get their second dose.
More information will be made available at NHS inform – Scottish health information you can trust | NHS inform
The COVID 19 vaccine you receive will have been clinically recommended. The one you will receive depends on the availability of each vaccine type and any allergies you have. Medical recommendations will ensure that you receive the same type of vaccine for both doses.
What happens after I am vaccinated?
The Vaccine may have some mild side effects such as tenderness at the injection site, aches, tiredness, or fever. These symptoms are mild and should pass within a few days. If you suspect that you are experiencing a serious or previously unknown side-effect, contact yellow card to report it at Homepage | Coronavirus (COVID-19) (mhra.gov.uk)
It is not yet known if the vaccine prevents you from spreading COVID 19. You must still follow COVID 19 restrictions and safety measures until the government makes the legislative changes, even after being vaccinated.
You can request a letter from NHS Scotland that can act as proof of any vaccinations that you have received. This displays your name, date of birth, how many COVID 19 vaccinations you have received in Scotland and what make of vaccine you were given.
You can request a letter from the COVID-19 Status Helpline on 0808 196 8565 or it can be downloaded online at Get a record of your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination status | The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine (nhsinform.scot).
The letter does not act as proof of identity and can’t be used to track you.
Scottish Government advice is that you get a certificate at least 21 days before travelling outside the UK because it may be required to enter foreign nations. You should check the travel requirements of the nation you wish to travel to first.
An additional dose of vaccine will be available for some from September. This is to combat the threat of a more intense flu season. The dose is intended for vulnerable people with an increased risk of harm from catching COVID 19. These groups are:
-Those aged 70 or older.
-Those who are 16 or older and either immunosuppressed or deemed clinically extremely vulnerable.
-Residents of care homes.
After these groups are given the dose, the following groups will be offered it:
-Those aged 50 or older
-Those between the ages of 16 and 49 that are considered at-risk for flu and COVID 19.
-Those who live with immunosuppressed.
consumeradvice.scot have received reports of Covid-19 vaccination scam emails and texts sent to consumers containing links to websites that look like the official NHS site.
These websites ask for the name, address, and other personal details of the person accessing them, and often request payment card details.
Even more concerning, are reports to organisations of consumers who have been visited in their homes by scammers claiming to be administering vaccinations, with subsequent requests for payment for this ‘vaccine’. In these circumstances, consumers have also been injected with an unknown substance, posing both a risk to their health, and allowing the scammer to see what can be taken physically from the target.
Scammers are using official NHS branding in attempts to look legitimate and appear like these texts and emails are from a familiar and reputable source. If consumers receive contact claiming to be from the NHS, and they are unsure of its legitimacy, they should avoid clicking on any links in texts or emails. Members of the public should also watch out for spelling mistakes and errors in emails and messages, and on any websites they access.
We would also recommend checking the email address that has sent the correspondence. Very often these will be from longer, more complex email addresses containing additional numbers, and may even appear to be from email addresses that look like personal ones.
Additionally, you will not be asked to pay for a Covid-19 test or vaccination, and the official test and protect service, nor the NHS will ask for any bank details or payment information.
If you have supplied payment information or bank details, you should contact your bank, or card provider directly and advise that you may have been targeted by a scammer. Scottish consumers should remain scam aware, think very carefully before sharing their personal information, and if they think a message or an email involving NHS initiatives doesn’t look or seem right, then it probably isn’t.
Anyone aged between 12 and 15 with any of the following conditions will be offered the vaccine:
- Severe neuro-disabilities
- Down’s syndrome
- Underlying conditions resulting in immunosuppression
- A diagnosis of learning/intellectual disability
If someone aged 12 or older lives with a person who meets the above, they will be offered the vaccine as well.
Testing
The UK Government’s aim is for testing to be available for anyone who needs it and has provided testing facilities for Scotland. These testing facilities are available to anyone who has symptoms (continuous coughing, high temperature, loss of taste or loss of smell), but the Scottish Government have outlined certain groups that will be prioritised for testing,
Prioritised Groups
The prioritised groups in government testing are those that have COVID-19 symptoms (cough or fever or anosmia) and are part of at least one of the following groups:
- Priority Group 1A – Staff delivering NHS services, providing social care to protect and care for the most vulnerable. These are key workers.
- Priority Group 1B – Staff with face-to-face roles in residential institutions with people in the care of the state and those who are working essential services with niche roles, where service resilience is at risk. These are key workers.
- Priority Group 2 – Essential workers in critical national infrastructure fundamental for safety and security, and life-line services. These are key workers.
- Priority Group 3 – Staff directly involved in delivering other essential services (e.g. childcare, education, public transport postal services, financial services, food retailers, construction and maintenance of essential public services, court and Crown Office staff, civil servants, politicians, consular corps, journalists and broadcasters). These are key workers.
- Priority Group 4 – Staff and volunteers in third or public sector organisations, and staff in nationally or locally significant industry important to economic sustainability and growth. These are key workers.
People in priority group 1A and 1B should be tested by NHS Scotland and other prioritised groups should be tested by the UK government programme.
When should I get tested?
Testing can be done up to 5 days after COVID-19 symptoms appear but should be done up to three days after symptoms appear. Exceptions to this can be made with the agreement of local microbiologists. The test is not available to those that do not have symptoms.
Where to access testing in Scotland
The UK programme has 5 drive through sites in Scotland:
- Glasgow Airport
- Edinburgh Airport
- Aberdeen Airport
- Inverness – University of the Highlands and Islands campus
- Perth – University of Highland and Islands campus
Alternatively, you can get a test at a temporary walkthrough test site. For example, there is such a test site at St Andrews. You should not use public transport to get there.
If you are still unsure about which test you should request, use this NHS inform guide to find the right testing arrangements for your circumstances. https://www.nhsinform.scot/self-help-guides/self-help-guide-access-to-testing-for-coronavirus
How to access testing
You can apply for coronavirus testing for yourself and any dependants under the age of 16 through the NHS website. This can be done by visiting https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test.
If you are a key worker, there is a self-referral portal that you can use to request a test. It can be accessed by visiting https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/
If you are an employer, you can refer workers and their families for testing.
Firstly, you need to email portalservicedesk@dhsc.gov.uk for login credentials, providing two email address for worker contact details to be loaded.
Secondly, you need to login and request a test at the employer portal. The portal can be accessed by visiting https://coronavirus-invite-testing.service.gov.uk/DaraTestDemand/Login.
Please note that demand for testing is likely to be high, so you may have to wait for tests to become available. You may be able to request a home test as a substitute but the demand for these is also likely to be high.
Home Testing
There are also tests that can be performed at home. They are intended for those that can’t access a test site due to issues like a disability or geographical isolation. That being said, research on self-swabbing home tests has found them to be just as effective in detecting COVID 19 as a test conducted by a clinical professional.
These can be requested by the same booking process but will in very high demand. You can ask for a home test on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test. Make sure that you order the test by 3pm of the 4th day of having symptoms. After that point you will need to go to a centre to be tested.
Partnerships have been made with companies like Amazon to deliver and collect these tests. These companies will not be able to access the results or any other health information you send.
Test Results
Results from a test held in a regional test site will be ready within 48 hours in most cases. Results from a home test will require a wait of 72 hours at most. If you are the one that booked the test, the results will be given to you by text or email along with advice on how to deal with the outcome.
If the test has a negative result, you will not need to self-isolate and can return to work. However, you must still self-isolate if someone in your support bubble or household has symptoms and has not gotten a negative test result. In addition, you should take steps to ensure that you recover from any illness that you have before returning to work (health and care workers should discuss safe return with their employer).
Expansion of COVID 19 testing from 3/2/21
New measures have been put in place to expand COVID 19 testing in Scotland:
- From the middle of February, routine testing will be required for GPs, dentists, optometrists pharmacists and hospice workers (who are patient-facing).
- Later this month, routine home testing will be required twice a week for secondary school students and school staff.
- Support will be provided for routine testing in essential and critical service workplaces with increased risk of infection (e.g. emergency services and food processing).
- Local community testing will be expanded.
- From mid-February, tests will be offered to those that have been in close contact with people who have tested positive with test and trace.
What is a lateral flow test?
Rapid lateral flow tests can be used to determine the presence of COVID 19 in someone without symptoms. It does not require a lab to determine a result and can provide one in 30 minutes. The Scottish Government now allows anyone in Scotland to access regular rapid lateral flow tests.
Why are Lateral flow tests used?
COVID 19 restrictions are being eased, with tests required to visit the Scottish Islands, so increased testing is required to find COVID 19 cases that would otherwise go undetected. It is important that someone takes a test if they are unsure if they have COVID 19.
How can a lateral flow test be obtained?
You can arrange for a rapid lateral flow test to be sent to your home or you can be tested at a rapid lateral flow test site. If you take the test at home, you must report your result online. If you go to a test site, you may need and appointment. You can order the tests by using this link Find where to get rapid lateral flow tests – NHS (test-and-trace.nhs.uk).
COVID-19: Holidays and Testing Obligations
Every individual will need to take at least one PCR test after returning to the UK as stated in the latest plans for re-opening travel by the government. However, for citizens who have travelled to countries regarded as areas at higher risk will need to take up to three tests.
Which? have confirmed that the average financial cost for consumers to receive the minimum of PCR test was roughly £120 per person. However, many people have paid over £500 per person for a package of testing kits and have not received them.
As a result, many consumers wishing to travel abroad on holiday will face massive costs to do this.
Update on New Testing Deals by some Travel Companies
Tui Group which is Britain’s biggest tour operator has agreed to subsidise the cost of Covid testing for customers who book package holidays with them.
They are offering test packages for between £20 and £90 to make holidays more affordable. Other holiday companies are also offering similar testing deals which includes EasyJet, Jet2 and British Airways. The Tui Group, in addition to subsidising test packages that include PCR and lateral flow tests, they have also devised a plan to include free Covid insurance on all holidays.
However, the Tui Group clearly insisted that some customers may need to change their holiday dates. For example, in the event if clients did not receive their test results on time, or if the country they were going to was moved by the government from green to amber under its “traffic light” travel system.
They have stated that they will allow free amendments to all holiday bookings up to 14 days before departure and committed to refunding the money paid for extra tests, if a country was moved from the amber to green list after booking.
Further Advice and Information:
The consumeradvice.scot service works with various partners including Trading Standards to help catch scammers in the act and stop them in their tracks. For further advice and information on Holiday Issues in relation to COVID-19, please visit the above link.
What is the Workplace Testing Scheme?
Routine testing has been rolled out to high-risk workplaces since March 2021.
Many businesses are being urged to sign up for routine staff testing to help identify cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), keep workforces safe, and break chains of transmission.
Workplace testing was previously targeted at crucial parts of the public sector, national infrastructure, food production and processing firms, and many other private sector companies with a high risk of transmission.
Free lateral flow antigen test kits are available to eligible businesses which are essential services such as those maintaining an adequate supply of food for the nation, and where outbreak risks can be higher due to the working environment such as abattoirs, meat, and seafood processing facilities and dairies, as well as food distribution businesses.
What is the Latest News on This?
More businesses can now apply for free COVID-19 testing kits under the Scottish government scheme.
Organisations with 10 or more employees can sign up for the lateral flow kits.
Testing regimes will be voluntary, and firms can distribute the kits among employees or use them in workplaces.
The Scottish Government has urged all eligible organisations to sign up for the workforce testing schemes.
This is especially considering that despite the success of the vaccination programme and even though you are fully vaccinated, it does not guarantee that you cannot catch the virus and pass it on without knowing you have it.
Therefore, asymptomatic testing will remain an important tool in breaking future chains of transmission according to the Scottish Government.
Further Information
The Scottish Government has produced detailed guidance which can provide you with further information about this testing arrangement. Please see the below links to the Scot gov website:
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer businesses and workplaces – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
- Workplace testing expanded – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
If you require clarity over the testing rules as well as further guidance in relation to other COVID-19 Issues, please see the Coronavirus Advice | Coronavirus Advice | coronavirusadvice.scot website.
Consumer Issues
Consumer rights remain the same, regardless of the effects of COVID 19. Some delivery and logistical companies may announce delays on non-essential items during high levels of infection in favour of transporting medical supplies and essential goods. For more information on orders placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the goods should be the first point of contact.
We have outlined the main consumer rights legislation that applies in different situations below. However, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, is available by visiting consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/
Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace
When buying goods from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:
- Of satisfactory quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
- As the trader described
- The same as any sample shown
- The same as any model shown
- Fit for the purpose made known to the trader
If asking for repair or replacement within first 30 days, then the buyer enters the wait period with the remainder of the 30 days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair or replacement.
Consumers who believe that any of the above don’t apply to their goods and have exceeded the first 30 days after purchase, may be entitled to repair or replacement which is –
- Free of charge
- Repair should be lasting
- Replacement should be like for like
- Within reasonable timescale
- Without causing significant inconvenience
If a repair or replacement is not possible then they may instead be entitled to:
- Keep the goods for a reduced price
- Return the goods for a refund (full refund within 6 months or partial refund after or if a vehicle)
Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979
When something is bought from a private seller, the buyer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the goods must match the description given by the seller. This includes:
- Any description in an advertisement
- Any description given in an email or text
- Any description during discussions over the phone or face to face
If the buyer believes that the goods don’t match the seller’s description, then they may be entitled to;
- A full refund if the goods haven’t been accepted (not used and issue noticed quickly)
- Damages – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what was paid and what the goods are worth
The burden of proof is on the buyer to prove that the goods don’t match the sellers description, which can be difficult if the description was delivered verbally.
The economic uncertainty has resulted in many companies going out of business. If the company has gone into administration or liquidation, then you will be able to make a claim to the practitioner / administrator that’s been appointed to handle this. There could be a long list of creditors with employees, suppliers and HMRC being at the top. There may also be limited company funds which means there’s no guarantee that you’ll receive a refund.
To check whether a company has gone into administration or liquidation you can use the following websites;
For limited companies check:
Companies House
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house
For sole traders and partnerships:
Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) (Businesses in Scotland)
https://roi.aib.gov.uk/roi/Security/Home/Landing
Insolvency Service (Businesses in England and Wales)
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/insolvency-service
If you are a pet owner, you have a responsibility to take care of it. If you anticipate that you will not be able to do this due to COVID 19 shielding or self-isolation, you should arrange with someone you trust to look after your pet.
There is currently no substantial evidence that animals can catch coronavirus, but you should adopt the proper hygiene measures when handling pets.
Walking dogs
Dogs should be kept on a leash to avoid contact with other people and animals.
If you are unable to walk your dog due to shielding or self-isolation, you should arrange for someone you trust to do it for you. This person should not enter your home and you should both wash your hands after having any contact with the dog. Professional dog walkers are an option if a friend or family member cannot walk the dog for you.
Travel
Local Area restrictions have been lifted across Scotland. Travelling anywhere in Scotland is permitted.
-Travelling to or from other parts of the UK is dependant on the restrictions in force where you wish to go.
-You can travel to or from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
-There are no restrictions in travelling to the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Mann and the Channel islands crown dependencies.
COVID-19 Travel Updates: Traffic Light System Rules for Scotland and the UK
It has been announced that travelling abroad from Scotland as of the 17th of May 2021 will not be illegal and therefore some travel restrictions have been lifted (however, see below for more information). It has been implemented in accordance with a ‘four nations approach’ to travel guidance according to the First Minister of Scotland.
What if I have a holiday and the destination moves to red?
If you go to a nation on the red list, you will need to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days after you return to Scotland. You will need to take three COVID 19 tests during this time.
Travel companies will most likely cancel flights and package holidays in a nation if travel is not advised by the government. Even if you are still able to travel there, your travel insurance is likely to be invalid during your stay.
Can I get a refund for my flight or package holiday if the destination moves to amber or red?
In that event, you should get a full refund for a flight within 7 days or a full refund for a package holiday within 14 days. The package holiday company may offer you vouchers as an alternative, but you can still choose the refund. You are not guaranteed a refund if you cancel your flight or package holiday yourself.
What if I am from the US or EU?
Citizens of the United States of America or a European Member State do not have to quarantine when travelling to Scotland. Travellers from the EU and US are required to produce accepted documentation to prove they are fully protected with recognised vaccines.
The Travel Assessment Model (Scotland and the UK)
The Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC), in partnership with Public Health England (PHE) and the devolved administrations, have implemented an evolving risk assessment system which is designed to provide governmental ministers with the knowledge to assess public health concerns per country.
Assessments regarding travelling abroad (includes countries, territories, and associated border measures) can be categorised as being either on the RED, AMBER, or GREEN lists.
The JBC monitors over 250 countries and territories.
- GREEN – Outlining (with confidence) that there is a low public health risk to the UK from all COVID-19 strains. People returning to Scotland from a country on this list will still be required to take a test but are not obligated to self-isolate if they do not possess the virus.
- AMBER – To take careful precautionary measures, countries and territories are assumed to be (until further evidence is collected) within the unknown status category. A country’s position on a list will be determined once there is clear evidence to make a suitable decision on travel restrictions and requirements. People travelling from amber countries to Scotland are required to self-isolate for 10 days and receive two PCR tests. From the 19th of July, those who have received two vaccinations from the NHS will not be required to self-isolate.
- RED – Outlining a high public health risk to the UK from known Variants of Concern (VOC), known high-risk Variants under Investigation (VUI) or because of very high in-country/territory prevalence of COVID-19. Those returning to Scotland from abroad are expected to enter ‘Managed Isolation’ or in other words quarantine in a hotel for 10 days and be required to take 3 tests (one 3 days prior to flying to Scotland and two once at the hotel*).
*If you test positive during your stay at the hotel, you will possibly need to stay a bit longer.
NOTE: Please note that Scottish citizens are NOT advised to travel to countries placed on the amber or red lists (preferably this also includes Green List countries to be safe).
Latest List of Countries and Areas according to the Risk Assessment
NOTE: This will be under constant review and may change subject to on-going developments taken in each respective country or area.
GREEN List of Countries and Areas
- A – Anguilla and Montserrat, Antarctica, Antigua, Australia*, Austria.
- B – Balearic Islands (including Mallorca/Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera. However, all will be subject to a review in three weeks’ time), Barbados, Barbuda, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Brunei.
- C – Cayman Islands.
- D – Dominica.
- F – Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands.
- G – Gibraltar, Germany, Grenada.
- I – Iceland, Israel and Jerusalem.
- L- Latvia
- M – Madeira, Malta.
- N – New Zealand*, Norway.
- P – Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno Islands.
- R- Romania
- S – Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, Turks and Caicos Islands.
*These countries are currently forbidding anyone from visiting because of their own COVID-19 restrictions.
AMBER List of Counties and Areas
- A – Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Armenia, Aruba, Azerbaijan.
- B – Bahrain, The Bahamas, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso.
- C – Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic (Czechia).
- D – Denmark, Djibouti.
- E – El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia.
- F – Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia.
- G – Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Greece (including islands), Greenland, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau.
- H – Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary.
- I – India Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Italy.
- J – Jamaica, Japan, Jordan.
- K – Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan.
- L – Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg.
- M – Macao, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar (Burma).
- N – Nauru, Netherlands, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia.
- O – The Occupied Palestinian Territories.
- P – Palau, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal (including the Azores but excluding Madeira which is on the green list now).
- R – Réunion, Russia.
- S – Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Korea, South Sudan, Spain (including the Canary Islands but excluding the Balearic Islands which are now on the green list), St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Martin and St Barthélemy, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria.
- T – Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu.
- U – Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United States (USA), Uzbekistan.
- Q – Qatar.
- V – Vanuatu, Vietnam.
- W – Wallis and Futuna, Western Sahara.
- Y – Yemen.
RED List of Countries and Areas
- A – Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina.
- B – Bangladesh, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi.
- C – Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Congo (Democratic Republic), Costa Rica.
- D – Dominican Republic.
- E – Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia.
- F – French Guiana.
- G – Georgia, Guyana.
- K – Kenya.
- L – La Reunion, Lesotho.
- M – Malawi, Maldives, Mayotte, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique.
- N – Namibia, Nepal.
- O – Oman.
- P – Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines.
- R – Rwanda.
- S – Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname.
- T – Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Tunisia.
- U – Uganda, Uruguay.
- V – Venezuela.
- Z – Zambia, Zimbabwe.
This depends on the policy you have taken. Always check the terms of the policy you have taken to see where you will be covered. You should consider the following possibilities when taking out a travel insurance policy during the pandemic:
- The policy will most likely provide cover if you are unable to travel due to catching COVID 19 but not always.
- Only some policies provide cover if you are contacted NHS Scotland or the Protect Scotland contact tracing app.
- Only some policies provider cover if you catch COVID 19 during the holiday and are unable to return home at the planned date.
- Very few policies cover you if travel advice prevents you from going to the holiday.
- If the Foreign Office advises against travelling to a nation, you will not be covered after going there.
- If you decide not to travel due to COVID 19 concerns (e.g. you will be quarantined on your return or you are worried about going) you will not be covered.
If you stay at the home of someone you know in France or Spain, additional documentation will be required for your stay.
Your host will be required by the respective authorities of these nations to provide a document that proves you are staying there.
In France, your host will need to apply for an attestation d’accueil (accommodation certificate) at their local town hall. This will cost €30.
In Spain, your host can use a carta de invitación(letter of invitation) to prove that you are staying with them. They can apply for it and then get it officially stamped by the Spanish National Police. This can take up to a month and cost €78.
If you are visiting your own second home located in either of these nations, you may be asked to prove that you are there with a document such as a utility bill.
COVID-19
Travel Update: Vaccine Passport Certificates for Travelling Abroad
It has been
announced that vaccine Passports are available (as of 19.05.21) to those
wishing to travel abroad from Scotland.
What are
Vaccine Passports?
These
certificates will act as a form of confirmation of vaccination which you need
to present when travelling abroad. It outlines both the dates of when you got
your COVID-19 vaccinations and the type of drug which was administered. The
Scottish Government has urged people to request it if they are planning on
travelling sometime within the next 21 days.
Furthermore,
a newly developed service has been introduced which allows people travelling
abroad to access their record which outlines their vaccination status.
A
vaccination status letter is available by downloading this from the NHS Inform
patient portal. Alternatively, for users who are non-online users, or you can request
to receive this in the post by contacting the Freephone COVID-19 Status
Helpline (see below for both options).
Only those who
plan to travel to a country or territory where a record of vaccination status
is required as an entry requirement are expected to download the record or
request it. As of the 30th of June 2021, some green countries are now requiring
travellers to show proof of their vaccination status and many destinations have
different entry
rules.
Despite, there
being no countries currently requiring vaccination status to travel currently,
international travel restrictions can change quickly requiring such measures to
be in place.
During the
progression phase of Scotland’s vaccination programme, vaccination status will
eventually be replaced by digital COVID-19 Status Certificates. This will
include vaccination and testing data to be used for outbound international
travel.
Where can
I Access a Vaccine Certificate?
You can
access your COVID-19 Vaccine Status online, by logging on to www.nhsinform.scot/covid19status. You must log in using a unique
username printed on your COVID-19 vaccination appointment letter.
Should you
lose or forget your username or password, you will be able to create new ones
by selecting ‘forgot username’ or ‘forgot password’ options. A Freephone COVID-19
Status Helpline will allow people to get the record posted to them. They can be
contacted on 0808 196 8565.
Important
Travel Guidance
The Scottish
Government has advised citizens to avoid travelling abroad to reduce the risks
of carrying new variants into Scotland. If you decide to travel abroad, you are
advised to:
- Check the entry requirements for
your destination country on the UK foreign travel advice pages
- Get up-to-date information from
the website of your destination country.
- Check the re-entry requirements for your return to
Scotland.
- Only request a vaccination
record if it is absolutely required and you are due to travel in the next
21 days.
NOTE: This will be under constant review
and may change subject to on-going developments.
Further
Advice and Information
Guidance can
be found here – COVID-19 vaccination status scheme
launches – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
For more
information with regards to any of the latest announcements and COVID-19
updates, please visit coronavirusadvice.scot website.
COVID-19: Refunds for Cancelled Package Holidays
Consumers who are yet to fly to their destination – Due a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for another date. The total cost of the holiday will be refunded if the company cancels due to COVID 19 restrictions.
This is required by consumer protection law and refunds should be reimbursed to clients within 14 days. Furthermore, if a client books a flight (which was either departing or arriving in an EU country or the UK or on an EU or UK airline) through a holiday company and the flight was cancelled, the client must receive a refund for this. This is happening automatically for some consumers, but consumers can contact the company that they booked through for further clarification.
For more information on this topic, please see the Coronavirus Consumer Advice | Coronavirus Advice | coronavirusadvice.scot link for information on holidays and COVID-19 implications.
Update: CMA Investigating Package Holiday Cancellation Disputes (13.05.21)
We have been informed that the Competitive Market’s Authority (CMA) that they are currently investigating multiple breaches of consumer protection law and package travel companies failing to meet their obligations to refund clients. They provided some guidance on this issue and have published an open letter which has been sent to all package companies in this sector to remind them to adhere to their obligations. More information can be found below:
Information Page – COVID-19 cancellations: package holidays – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Press Notice – CMA warns package travel firms over refunds ahead of summer trips – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Open Letter – CMA open letter to package travel sector – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Update on Companies’ Commitments to Refunding Clients (30.04.21)
We have received an update confirming that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have urged holiday companies to uphold their legal obligations to refund clients for cancellations. Currently, the CMA has arranged for many holiday firms to action this which include Love Holidays, Lastminute.com, Virgin Holidays, TUI UK, Sykes Cottages and Vacation Rentals.
For example, LoveHolidays have agreed to refund more than £18m to 44,000 customers who had holidays cancelled over coronavirus. Furthermore, Lastminute.com have agreed to pay £7m in refunds to more than 9,000 customers by the end of January.
Further Advice and Information:
The consumeradvice.scot service works with various partners including Trading Standards to help catch scammers in the act and stop them in their tracks. If a client wishes to receive further advice and information on Holiday Issues in relation to COVID-19, please visit the above link.
COVID-19 Traffic Light System: Refund Rights if a Holiday Destination Changes Status
What is the Latest COVID-19 International Travel Advice Guidance?
The Scottish Government have warned those who wish to go on holiday that the country they are visiting might be listed as GREEN originally but may eventually move to AMBER or RED if outbreaks or the significance of COVID-19 develops significantly.
If you decide to travel abroad, you must follow the rules that are in place for a country or area at your time of travel. It is important to remember that travelling abroad also carries a risk of bringing new cases and variants of COVID-19 into Scotland. Think carefully about whether your trip abroad is necessary before booking travel.
NOTE: Please note that Scottish citizens are NOT advised to travel to countries placed on the amber or red lists (preferably this also includes Green List countries to be safe).
If a Country Changes to Amber, Am I Entitled to a Refund if I Cancel?
You are not legally entitled to a refund if YOU ARE cancelling. You are advised to check the terms and conditions or ask your travel agent where you stand. Lots of holiday providers are still taking people on holiday to amber list destinations. However, many of these providers will allow you at least a date or destination change if the country changes to amber from green, BUT NOT ALL.
If you have booked a flight only, this is likely to mean that the flight will still run even if a country’s rating changes to amber. As a result, you will need to either fly or lose the cost of the flight, UNLESS the company’s policy or guidelines say otherwise. Prior to booking, make sure you book a package holiday from a FLEXIBLE provider. Many holiday companies are more flexible than airlines. When deciding to book a holiday, make sure you are willing to quarantine if a country’s traffic light rating changes.
The most recent case of Portugal changed from Green to Amber clearly demonstrates that countries’ ratings can and will likely change if circumstances develop. If you cannot quarantine and still choose to book, you should check to see if you can rebook for free if your destination is placed on the amber or red list at the time of departure. Ensure you can transfer the full value of your trip, without unrecoverable costs being deducted.
In certain cases, some companies insist that you can move it for free apart from unrecoverable costs. This is usually the cost of the flight, or a pre-booked trip can be a big financial hit. You should get assurance that you will be refunded if the FCDO adds a warning to the country you are travelling to.
Holiday Companies and Refund Policies
Tui refunds if Holiday Destinations change to the Amber List:
- Tui will NOT refund you UNLESS the FCDO advises against travelling there. For holidays to amber list countries where FCDO insists it is fine to travel, if you are unwilling or unable to self-isolate, you can amend your booking without penalty. You will be expected to pay more if the holiday is more expensive but will be refunded for the difference if it is cheaper. For more information on Tui’s rebooking policies, see Summer 2021 Bookings | Travel With Confidence | TUI.co.uk. For other COVID-19 queries, see Coronavirus FAQs | TUI.co.uk.
British Airways Holidays refunds if Holiday Destinations change to the Amber List:
- A refund will be offered only if the amber list country is also somewhere the FCDO does not advise travelling to.
- You can change your destination or date with no change fees or supplier costs if the country turns amber.
- Please be aware that you will have to pay the difference if the new holiday is more expensive. You must inform British Airways Holidays of any changes within seven days of the government announcement. If it is less than seven days to go until your holiday and a country moves to amber, you can change the holiday right up until check-in closes. You can also get a voucher. For more information, see Flexible booking | Information | British Airways
- Please also be aware that if you chose a package holiday that included a non-refundable hotel, this will not be changeable (this should have been made clear when booking).
EasyJet Holidays refunds if Holiday Destinations change to the Amber List:
- You will only be refunded for an amber list country if the FCDO also advises against travelling there.
- Other trips on the amber list can be amended or you can gain credit without charge right up until 24 hours before departure. For further guidance on EasyJet’s refund and rebooking policies, please see Covid commitments | easyJet holidays.
Loveholidays refunds if Holiday Destinations change to the Amber List:
- They do not offer refunds. They also state that if you move to a different destination or date then supplier charges could apply. If FCDO advises against travel to any destination, it will refund the hotel. Further information on Loveholidays’ refund policies and FAQs can be found here Travel and Covid-19 – loveholidays FAQs.
Jet2holidays refunds if Holiday Destination change to the Amber List
- Currently, Jet2 has cancelled all holidays up to the 30th of June and will restart holidays from the 1st of July, which may include amber destinations. They have not as it stands decided on what its policies will be like for amber destinations. For more information, please see Traffic Light Policy | Jet2holidays.
On The Beach refunds if Holiday Destinations change to the Amber List
- They also do not offer refunds. You can amend the holiday without paying a fee, but you may lose airline costs, regardless of whether FCDO advises against travel. Seven days’ notice is required for hotel and transfer amendments. At the moment, On The Beach has paused holiday sales and will not be selling any more holidays until September. More information is available here Coronavirus FAQs | On the Beach.
Trailfinders refunds if Holiday Destination change to the Amber List:
- Trailfinders do offer refunds. They are regarded as having more flexible arrangements than most, offering a refund in this instance. More information can be found here FAQ | What-is-trailfinders-peace-of-mind-policy | Trailfinders.
What Happens if my Holiday Destination changes from Amber to Red before I Travel?
Arrangements made to take consumers to red list countries will be cancelled immediately and they will be provided with a full refund given for package holidays.
Consumers who are yet to fly to their destination – Due a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for another date.
Flights as part of a package holiday
Entire cost of the holiday will be refunded if the company cancels due to COVID 19 restrictions. This is happening automatically for some consumers, but consumers can contact the company that they booked through for further clarification.
A refund must also be paid if there is a ‘significant change’ made to the booking. If in doubt, you should check your contract to see what constitutes a ‘significant change’.
Flights and hotel booked separately
Consumers are advised to contact their hotels, requesting a refund/change in dates. Many airlines are allowing passengers to rebook flights for free.
In situations where the hotel and location are open, and the booking is non-refundable, then travellers may lose out.
What if my holiday was postponed?
If you have postponed your holiday by a year due to not being given a refund, you still have protections for your purchase. Although it is unlikely that you will still be entitled to a refund, the company still needs to provide you with a new booking if possible.
The rebooking is protected by package travel regulations. If the holiday company cancels the new booking, you will be entitled to a refund. However, if a voucher was used to rebook your holiday, you may be refunded in vouchers instead of money.
Travel Insurance policies
Consumers are urged to check the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial compensation in situations where other means do not.
If consumers have arranged travel to affected areas after a warning was issued in the area, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Consumers are urged to check the details of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company directly for more information.
New travel insurance policies
In light of recent events, many insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies and, in some circumstances, have changed cover as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen circumstances, and due to the current situation, issues arising as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.
Already abroad and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those passengers abroad if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline should also pay for any additional charges for accommodation and any food required. For those consumers who have accepted a refund, then the duty of care ends here. It is then the responsibility of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.
In situations where none of the above is possible, or where consumers feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current location to seek further assistance. Specific embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.
Consumers choosing to cancel their travel plans
If there has been no warning issued in relation to a country that the consumer chooses to travel to, and the consumer chooses to cancel their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.
Consumers are urged to check policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is required or a refund due. If you feel that your consumer rights have been breached, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and advice.
You should follow the restrictions and guidance of the local authority where you are staying, including any quarantine restrictions that they enforce there.
If someone has or believes they have coronavirus while abroad.
The authorities of both the region and nation in which you are staying will provide advice and guidance on what to do if someone has, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Additionally, the citizen should seek medical assistance and self-isolate.
The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are typically displayed when someone has coronavirus. This is available at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms-and-what-to-do/
The embassy or consulate in the area where the UK citizen finds themselves can be used to contact the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:
What is the role of ABTA?
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) is a regulatory body that ensures travel companies offer refunds to their customers if they go out of business. Money paid towards a travel company for a land or sea-based holiday are protected by ABTA’s financial protection scheme. ABTA also holds its members to a code of conduct regarding advertising, fair trading and customer service.
How do I know if my chosen holiday company is a member of ABTA?
The easiest way to know if a company is a member of ABTA is to contact them and failing that, by reading the receipt that is given from the travel company. If a customer is using more than one company, they are advised to check with each company and/or get separate receipts to check which ones are members.
Can ABTA secure me a refund if I can’t go on holiday due to COVID-19 travel restrictions?
ABTA can be contacted to secure the proper refund if a company has not provided one. However, ABTA have outlined two potential issues with doing this during the COVID-19 pandemic:
1) COVID 19 travel restrictions have meant that many consumers have had to cancel their holidays. Holiday companies are delaying the payment of refunds because paying them all immediately could cause them to become bankrupt. These companies may have not yet received money back from hotels and airlines to pay refunds.
2) Many holiday makers have rescheduled their holidays or received refund credit notes instead of direct refunds. These are both protected under ABTA’s code of conduct and refunds will be paid even if the company goes out of business.
What can the government do regarding travel issues caused by COVID-19?
The government has not passed legislation yet that will provide protection for customers for issues specifically regarding the COVID-19 virus.
ABTA have stated that they don’t have the power to regulate customer service issues specifically regarding COVID 19 without new legislation and guidelines being provided by the government.
What advice has ABTA provided for those whose travel plans have been disrupted by COVID-19?
• ABTA advises customers to talk to the holiday provider first to discuss refunds or rebooking.
• ABTA advises the customer to secure a rebooking because it will take a long time to secure a refund and they will still be able to take their holiday at a later date. If a rebooking is secured, it must contain the original booking reference, a document or invoice detailing the cancellation and ATOL documentation if the customer is also covered by them.
• If the provider is asked for a refund, they may give the customer a refund credit note instead. This can be used to get a refund or to rebook for a later date. If the refund credit note has not been used to rebook before the 31st of July 2020, the customer will then be entitled to a full cash refund.
Further information can be found on ABTA website by visiting: https://www.abta.com/news/coronavirus-outbreak
There are three key considerations you must make when returning to the UK from abroad:
- You must self-isolate for a period of 10 days.
- You must complete the passenger locator form at least 48 hours before arriving in the UK. You will be fined £60 in Scotland if you do not do this. The form can be found here https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk
- You must be vigilant for any COVID 19 symptoms that you may have. Inform the staff of your transport if you develop symptoms on the way back to the UK.
The UK government has committed to removing the administrative fees for rearranging rail advance tickets across Great Britain, including Scotland. Advance tickets are only usable on certain dates and can only be used on certain trains.
If a passenger’s journey is no longer possible due to COVID 19 restrictions, the administrative fee will not have to be paid to rearrange the ticket to cover another journey. Alternatively, passengers will be able to exchange an unused advance ticket for a credit note or voucher that will be valid for up to a year.
This is due to the implementation of localised tier-based restrictions. Different areas will have different restrictions on travel, making rail journeys difficult to plan without the risk of cancellation.
Train travel is currently accessible to the general public, but additional rules must be adhered to in the interest of public health. These include social distancing and wearing a mask over your mouth and nose.
Different companies and travel providers may have additional rules. For example, ScotRail have published a list of rules at https://www.scotrail.co.uk/travel-guidance
Scams
Below is a list of the most common coronavirus scams that are
currently circulating in Scotland. We advise that you inform any vulnerable
friends or relatives about these scams.
COVID-19 / Coronavirus Testing Kits
Adverts are appearing on social media, advising consumers of
the availability of COVID-19 testing kits. The efficacy of these tests is
questionable, considering the already limited availability of tests to the NHS.
This could potentially get worse in coming months with the
announcement that more tests will be made available.
Legitimate medical testing won’t be sold door-to-door or
through Facebook advertisements. Any medical test products should be comprehensively
researched before purchasing.
Price Increases (Gouging) & Counterfeit Goods
Several consumers are reporting price hikes, or price
‘gouging’ on various items. Hand sanitiser, toilet tissue and nappies are being
reported as being sold massively over the Recommended Retail Price (RRP) due to
the outbreak of COVID-19.
A ‘Recommended Retail Price’ or RRP is a price that is a
guideline to retailers as to how much an item should sell for. This is a
guideline, and as long as retailers do not intentionally attempt to mislead a
consumer into purchasing an item, they can sell this for more than the RRP.
‘Invitation to Treat’ is a term used to describe when a
retailer invites a consumer to purchase an item at a specific price. The
consumer has the option to purchase the item or go to another seller to
purchase this item.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) are monitoring
retailers in response to COVID-19 to ensure that consumers are treated fairly
and that sales/advertising practises adhere to the law.
Counterfeit goods are also a cause for concern and consumers
are encouraged to ensure that anything they purchase meets health and safety,
including hygiene standards. Vistalworks have developed an innovative online
tool for checking whether an item is genuine before purchasing online. This can
be accessed by visiting https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/i-want-help-checking-goods-online/
Home Cleaning Services
Some scammers are offering door-to-door offering cleaning
services to help reduce the spread of coronavirus bacteria.
The NHS have an excellent resource with information on how
to stop the infection spreading as well as what to do if you are experiencing
symptoms of the virus. This is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
‘Good Samaritan’ Scams – Shopping and Medical Collections
There have been reports of criminals targeting older members
of the community in their homes, offering to go shopping for them or collect
medical supplies. In many instances, the older citizen gives their cash to the
scammers, only for them to never return with the items as promised.
Many people targeted by this kind of scammer are afraid to
report these acts, as they may be aware of the person locally and are afraid of
potential repercussions.
This is a particularly malicious type of scam as it attacks
our most vulnerable citizens. consumeradvice.scot are working with Trading
Standards Scotland, Neighbourhood Watch Scotland and Police Scotland to ensure
that members of the public are aware of this threat at a local level.
Neighbourhood Watch Scotland have an alert system, which can
warn when scammers are operating, even at a local level. Consumers can set up
these alerts by visiting https://www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk/sign-up-for-alerts/
.
COVID-19 Donation Scams
Scammers are targeting consumers asking for donations to
help fund vaccinations. These are not legitimate charity collectors and
consumers are urged not to donate to them.
You can report anyone you suspect as being a scammer to
consumeradvice.scot.
Spear-Phishing, Vishing and Smishing
Scammers are taking the coronavirus outbreak as an
opportunity to mimic legitimate businesses and organisations. This can be in
various forms, the most common being an email advising that you are entitled to
a tax rebate or payment from the Government due to coronavirus.
These emails usually contain a link to a website which looks
official and requests login and / or account details to process payment.
The primary main aim of this type of scam is often to gain
access to personal information which allows the scammer to ‘customise’ their
next scam attempt in order to make it seem even more legitimate.
Other Online Scams
Consumers have been targeted by emails with attachments
containing computer viruses. When these attachments are opened, they can infect
the device with ‘malware’, placing the consumer at risk of being the target of
identity fraud. Some of these emails are very convincing, advising citizens
that the attached document contains information on people who are infected with
coronavirus locally.
Consumers are urged to avoid opening emails or attachments
from people that they do not know.
consumeradvice.scot understands that scammers can be
convincing. Now more than ever, it is vitally important to be aware of how they
operate and the changing methods which are applied.
We have put together some of the top tips for ensuring
that you stay one step ahead of the scammers –
·
Trust your instincts – If something
doesn’t feel right, then trust your instincts. You can refuse requests from charity
collectors, doorstep salespeople or from those calling you.
·
Take your time – Genuine salespeople
selling genuine products won’t try and rush you or coerce you into a sale.
·
Know your stuff – Research anything
before you buy it. Genuine companies and salespeople won’t mind you taking time
to research what they are selling.
· Pause
for thought – Think before providing payment details or personal
information. Check that emails are from legitimate sources
COVID-19: Fake Online Pharmacies Alert Update (As of 09.06.21)
There have been hundreds of thousands of fake online pharmacies offering illegal and counterfeit drugs and medicines to consumers.
Many illegal medical devices that were seized appeared to be fake or unauthorised COVID-19 testing kits.
Public Safety Warnings
Officials have warned that the sale of illicit medicines can put thousands of lives at risk.
This is especially the case during the pandemic period which has made more and more people reliant on the internet and online shopping which criminals seek to exploit and aim to target these new customers.
Advise for Scottish Consumers
Counterfeit goods represent a cause for concern and consumers are encouraged to ensure that anything they purchase meets health and safety, including hygiene standards. Vistalworks have developed an innovative online tool for checking whether an item is genuine before purchasing online. This can be accessed by visiting Vistalworks – keeps online shoppers safe from harm.
What should I do if I Encounter this Scam?
Do not select any links. Report any messages as a scam and then delete them.
The consumeradvice.scot service works with various partners including Trading Standards to help catch scammers in the act and stop them in their tracks.
Our Quick Reporting Tool at scamwatch.scot is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Always report a scam – they can happen to anyone and reporting prevents other people from being harmed. Help us to do our job in protecting Scottish consumers by reporting suspected scams and suspicious activity to us.
Get in Touch
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